Wereldmuseum

A journey through world cultures

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is one of the city’s most historic museums and offers a fascinating look at cultures, traditions and ways of life from different parts of the world.

The museum is housed in a monumental building on the River Maas that dates from 1851. It was originally used by the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Yachtclub (Royal Dutch Yacht Club), an important institution closely connected with Rotterdam’s maritime world.

Members of the club began collecting and donating objects from their travels and international contacts. These collections eventually formed the basis of the ethnographic museum that later occupied the building.

The origins of the Wereldmuseum

In 1883, the Municipality of Rotterdam decided to establish an ethnographic museum in the building. Two years later, on 1 May 1885, the museum officially opened its doors.

Its collection was closely connected with Rotterdam’s international history as a port city and with travel, trade, missionary activity and the colonial past of the Netherlands.

An important figure in its early history was Elie van Rijckevorsel, a Rotterdam physicist, meteorologist, explorer and collector. During his many journeys he assembled an important collection of objects, many of which were later donated to the museum.

Collections and cultural diversity

The Wereldmuseum’s collections contain tens of thousands of objects connected with cultures from around the world.

Clothing, religious objects, jewellery, sculptures, everyday utensils and works of art provide insight into how different societies express their identity, traditions and ways of understanding the world.

The exhibitions also encourage visitors to reflect on subjects such as colonialism, migration, identity, globalisation and the connections between cultures.

This perspective has a special connection with Rotterdam, a highly international city whose history has always been closely linked to the movement of people, goods and ideas around the world.

A museum beside the River Maas

Besides its collections, the Wereldmuseum is also worth visiting for its location and historic building.

It stands on Willemskade, close to Veerhaven and only a short walk from the Erasmusbrug. From this part of the city you can also enjoy excellent views across the River Maas and Rotterdam’s skyline.

Wereldmuseum Rotterdam: practical information

Before visiting, you can check current exhibitions, activities, admission prices and opening times on the official Wereldmuseum Rotterdam website.

Other museums in Rotterdam

40-45 NOW | Chabot Museum | Douane Museum | Fenix Museum | Het Nieuwe Instituut | Kunsthal | Kunstinstituut Melly | Mariniers Museum | Maritiem Museum | Museum Boijmans | Natuurhistorisch Museum | Nederlands Fotomuseum